Get Up— I’m On My Way Home
How did your restoration actually begin Isidora?
Wow, where to begin. Well, it began when I stopped letting everyone tickle my ears with what I wanted to hear. I started searching on the internet for marriage restoration. It was the Lord pushing me, but at that moment I described it as a force ( I know better now ). I have to admit I first came upon another ministry (Standers) but the way they proceed didn't agree with the little I already knew. My question was always why if God is working for us do I need to pursue my husband? If God is working for us, why do we have to put our hands in the situation? Why must we chase our EH? But then through someone I made friends with on the internet she introduced me to How God Can and Will Restore Your Marriage and then I found the link to RMI. I answered the questionnaire and joined the course. I took the RRR online courses got up to A Wise Woman and then was led by my HH to refresh my mind with the courses again.
Isidora, how did God change your situation as you sought Him wholeheartedly?
It was when I could only see my sin and realized I had put my EH on a pedestal and had put the Lord in second place. That’s when things started shifting in the right direction when I acknowledged the truth. Also when I stopped defending myself and let my HH defend me asking for His will to be done. Also an important principle when I started telling Him ...."Lord You're all I want, all I need, You’re Who I live for— without You, I am nothing" that I learned in FAL. At first it feels like you're just saying it, but soon it was wholeheartedly and still is! Amen!
What principles, from God's Word (or through our resources), did the Lord teach you during this trial Isidora?
SG in everything is first, also don't lean on your own understanding, agree with your adversary quickly, don't trust what you see, the biggest battle is in our minds, keep your eyes on the Lord not your circumstances are the most important I tell everyone. Over all, fill yourself with Scripture, let His Word be treasured in your heart not just head knowledge. Be still and let God be God— don't put your hand on anything, let Him do it. Learn how to be silent and listen to the Lord, don't just pray and talk to Him, you also need to listen.
Isidora, what were the most difficult times that God helped you through?
At the beginning when I hit rock bottom and started SG for myself and He started revealing His truths through His word. That’s when I was accused of being demonized, crazy, a rebel, etc. And the next difficulty was when I truly let go of my EH.
Isidora what was the “turning point” of your restoration?
I had a truly huge battle within me. My HH started telling me it was time to restore my marriage and I kept trying to convince Him I wasn't ready. I told Him how we would lose our solitude our time together. I even went as far as to question Him if my EH was worth it. Big huge mistake...the storm became really fierce and I was caught in a whirlwind. I repented asked forgiveness and was reminded this was for His Glory and that this wasn't about me or us, but Him. I started falling on my face and asking for His will to be done and for forgiveness. The storm ragged on, believe me, but still I was filled with peace...His peace! Amen! This is the way most women finally get their restoration, what Erin says is how she felt.
Isidora, tell us HOW it happened? Did your husband just walk in the front door?
It was very late and I had been woken by my sis who had just had a small car accident and was feeling down because her husband was upset and would not talk to her (he had just bought her the car two months prior). I was dozing off but writing to her at the same time and telling her to relax, that her EH would come around and the Lord was in control and that I would be praying for her. Also I wrote to her, “I am falling asleep, love you, I will call you tomorrow”...as I was getting ready to hit the send button, I was startled when my cell began ringing. I was half asleep, so I turned on the light and couldn't believe the name on my ID caller. I gazed at it for a couple of seconds and then I answered. My EH asked what I was doing, I answered “trying to sleep” ...he laughed said “Well, don't get up out of bed, I am on my way home, I'll be there in about 30 minutes.” I was surprised and said, “You know, it’s kind of late for a visit” then he laughed again and said, “It's not a visit, I have all my stuff with me, I am moving back home.”
Isidora did you suspect or could you tell you were close to being restored?
Sort of. I knew it was close because for weeks, if not months, I was being stretched to the point of feeling like I was breaking with more and more trials, one after another. In fact, all my utilities were about to be shut off, my car had broken the power steering, my brakes were not working correctly, and my pantry was almost bare. Along with these, there were other situations with family and extended family, like health, financial issues, and with some of their relationships hitting dark clouds like mine was in ....and I was right in the middle of everything. Everything RYM says means you’re close.
Would you recommend any of our resource in particular that helped you?
All the resources helped a lot, How God Can and Will Restore Your Marriage is number 1, of course the Bible, Facing Divorce Again, Finding the Abundant Life, the Praise Reports, Psalms and Proverbs, A Wise Woman so you're ready for staying restored, reading the Encourager every morning. I know I left some out, but they all helped in my Restoration. I recommend them all! They are a blessing and a guide in this RJ.
Isidora, do you have favorite Bible verses that you would like to pass on to women reading your Testimonies? Promises that He gave you?
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things NOT seen.” —Hebrews 11:1
"Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him." —Isaiah 30:18
“O LORD, You surround [me] with favor as with a shield.” —Psalm 5:12
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus”—Phil. 1:6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths”—Prov. 3:5–6 KJV
Would you be interested in helping encourage other women?
Yes I would be interested in helping other women!
Isidora, what kind of encouragement would you like to leave women with, in conclusion?
Ladies, be sure to SG in everything even in the smallest things. Fill yourselves with the Word not just head knowledge, but to hide in your heart. His Word going to lift you when you’re down. Don't stop running after the Lord, pursue Him, not your EH. I can't lie, as Erin and everyone kept telling me, it was easier when my EH was not here than it is now. It’s much more difficult to make time for my HH, it’s not like when I was alone with just me and Him.
Don't let your guard down, you will be stretched but just try to keep your eyes on Him and know it’s God who will restore you. Have faith and keep your HH first. Keep praying for us who are restored, because I will be praying for you all. Blessings for all. Amen!!!! Hallelujah!!
IS YOUR Marriage RESTORED? Are you not sure?
